After several years of trying every method I found or could think of to deal with my UC, I had an ileostomy March 25th. For some reason, my laptop won't allow me to log on to Healingwell, so I haven't been around for awhile. I'm using my partner's now.

8 weeks out, I'm dealing with watery output, one blockage (or not, they didn't find one in the CT scan) so that was a visit to the ER and 2 day hospitalization. I'm still feeling not so great overall. One extra problem I have is a cataract caused by prednisone which has seriously impacted my vision. Surgery is scheduled for June 18 and then maybe I'll be able to see again. It's effected my ability to change my appliances, and I have one more week of home care nursing.

Just wanted to catch up with you all... I notice Probiotic, you're here now too!

My ileostomy is permanent, since my surgeon said he wouldn't do a j pouch on anyone over 50, and I'm 62.

I have been thinking about fluid intake, thanks for mentioning it. Why no plain water? I have been drinking about 84 oz of it a day, along with 20 oz of something like Vitamin water or Pedialyte. I've been having issues with too watery output and was that I should increase my intake when that happens. I've wondered if I'm getting too much?

My diet, since the blockage/no blockage has been pretty much glutein and dairy free (unless I take a lactose pill). Prior to the nonblockage <smile> on the advice of my WCON I was taking clear fiber from Walgreens and completely stopped that. I also went off any pain meds. I really haven't figured it out because the pains (like labor pains!) started after eating mashed potatoes, carrots (well cooked) and grilled chicken.

I know eat small amounts throughout the day. The watery output is usually in the morning and early afternoon. After the blockage thing and trip to ER and 2 days in the hospital I don't want that to happen again!

I'd just like to say it's good to read about positive outcomes here. I figure it will take time for me to heal, so I'm learning patience too.

How soon after surgery was the blockage? I had a "blockage/no blockage" as well about a week after surgery. I think my intestines tend to wake up in fits and starts, so they sort of wake up and go back to sleep on their own for a while after surgery. I've had very mild blockages in the past with my first ileostomy and something always "pops out", but nothing did with this one (which was way more than mild), so I think that's what happened to me.

Anyway... regarding pure water, regular water is not very easy for the body to absorb. It ends up not doing much besides rushing the rest of your food through your system, leading to more watery output and even less water absorbed by your body. The body is best at absorbing liquids that have a concentration of sugar and salts similar to your own blood -- that's what rehydration solutions like Pedialyte do.

Regarding positive stories, I had an end ileostomy like you for four months after my first surgery and I LOVED IT. Once I learned how to eat and how to take care of the stoma it was awesome. I was able to eat pretty much all my old favorite foods and even drink strong black coffee (totally verboten while I was sick with UC). I traveled, biked, ran, worked full time, ate a seven course tasting menu (no substitutions and I ate almost everything!)... I very seriously considered making it permanent, but kind of in the flipside to your situation, I only chose to move forward with the j-pouch because everyone said I had my youth and otherwise good health on my side.

Anyway, I'm sure others will be along shortly. The weather stinks here which is why I'm stuck inside on the holiday weekend posting on HW Liz, 26itslikethisuc.blogspot.com

HA! re: the stuck inside, but I hear you. Thanks MUCH for the info on water. I just bought some Smart Water but forgot the Pedialyte... still have several bottles of Vitamin Water, too.

My blockage/non blockage was about 5 weeks after surgery. My WCON said that the CT scan showed quick transit, but that could be due to the irritant of the dye. I just know it was like old faithful after it.

With my problem with watery output in the am, then thickens up in the afternoon, I think that my intestines and digestive system just have their own agenda but I'm into babying them with feeding them slowly. I don't need to eat everything (yet). Heck, I was doing it for 6 years with UC and it didn't really taste any good then anyway.Potato... Female, 62, dx 11/07 mild left sided ulcerative colitis (50 cm), 10/09 progressed to pancolitis, 5/11 scope showed severe 5/18/12 flare, prednisone 40 mg. began 5/23

It is common for it to be watery in the morning, you probably haven't eaten anything in a long time so there isn't anything solid to come out. Sometimes it will be greenish and smelly in the am too. I am sure you know there are thickening foods, or immodium like pluot mentioned. It may just be that your body needs to catch up. It takes a while for your small intestine to learn it's new job.I just drink plain water and I have always been fine with it. I eat a lot of salt though. You have to be careful with some drinks because sugar and caffeine will cause dehydration too. If you are dehydrated you will probably know, because you will feel bad. If your output is always really watery you might be able to cut back on how much you drink. It takes a while to get down a new system.As for your blockage/non blockage, sometimes foods get stuck up and that generally works out on its own. I had surgery 6 years ago, and other than a adhesion issue last year, everything has been great! And even that surgery last year didn't make me regret my surgery, the good health and ability to have my life back made it worth it.UC for 8 years, before finally kicking its butt and having a permanent ileostomy April 17 2007! -I have gone to find myself, if i get back before i return, keep me here-No matter what kind of day you are having, take five minutes to sing loudly and dance like a fool!